
The Rise Up Family Newsletter
November 21, 2024
Letter from the Principal
Greetings PPA Caregivers, Families, and Friends,
Woohoo PPA!!! Yesterday we held our first annual Reality Rocks session. Scholars learned “adulting 101” with an extensive economic lens. Our scholars were commended for their manners, being respectful, and engaging in robust conversations about taxes, incomes, credits, money management, and more!! Ask your scholar about their experiences during Reality Rocks.
Today was the Grand Opening of Teddy’s Place at PPA!! This event marked the beginning of community understanding and recognition of the importance of child care needs for our school aged parents. Today’s event was a success and couldn’t have happened without PPA scholars and staff!!
I hope we can continue to build a partnership with you in support of your child’s academic journey. Reachout to us with any questions, concerns, or celebrations and we will continue to do the same. Besides calling or emailing you can also use this google form for questions, concerns, or celebrations.
As a reminder, attendance plays a significant role in your scholars’ academic success. Caregivers please continue to express the importance of timely and regular attendance.
Students that drive must park in the designated parking areas for students. Cars can be ticketed and possibly towed if students continue to park in spaces that are not designated parking spaces.
I wish you all a safe and happy fall break!!
Be well,
Ms. Sconiers
PPA Swag is now for sale !!
We have Hats, Hoodies, T-Shirts, Sweatpants and more.
Click on the link below to order your new PPA Clothing.
The PPA Store will be open through 11/29/24.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Office updates
Attendance line: 608-834-6900 Line 1
Please use this number when calling in a student for an absence, illness or an appointment.
You can call the office at 608-834-6900 ext. 5507 for any reason that your student will be absent. Please call the attendance line or the office at 608-834-6931 if your student needs to leave early. Calls will be made when students leave grounds without a guardian's permission.
School day is from 9:00am - 3:20pm.
PPA Specific information to keep in mind:
As a reminder, students that are driving should review this information. It is important for our student drivers to continue to be safe for themselves and others in our parking lots and on the roads. Please note that students that do not park in the designated student parking session:
First offense- a verbal warning and ask to move their vehicle to the proper area
Second offense- parent communication
Ongoing offenses will be discussed with families and hopes of a resolution
Scholars should be prepared to learn everyday! Chromebooks should be with students daily. To reduce students transporting their wonderful Chromebooks they have the opportunity to leave the CB’s at PPA to be charged. Those that turned in Chromebooks will be able to pick them up from the main office. We will not issue a Chromebook to students if they have one or more already checked out to them. Please have your scholar return any damaged Chromebooks to the main office. We have a limited number of Chromebooks that students may use as loaners but that is on a first come basis.
Physical Science Experiments
In Science we have been busy looking into the “why” behind several different experiments including making bouncy balls, making rock candy, turning milk into plastic, making ice cream in a bag and seeing who can make the strongest tinfoil boat.
Everyday Economics
In our Everyday Economics workshop we have spent the last 5 weeks learning all about the economics of being an almost grown up citizen in the United States. Scholars researched careers they were interested in, worked on figuring out budgets (which included various types of budgeting: lifestyle budgets and dinner budgets), housing costs (renting vs. owning), and all types of loans and credit. Scholars have worked very hard on understanding the realities of financial organization which will be helpful as they continue to grow. Scholars used their accumulated knowledge to participate in the very first PPA “Reality Rocks”* . Scholars have learned a myriad of information that will help them to make informed decisions about their financial future.
*Reality Rocks is a school and community partnership to help uplift financial literacy for high school students in a fun and interactive way.
JAG (Job’s of America Graduates)Notes:
In our workshop we have been focusing on career development. We are coming to the end of this workshop and the scholars have been working really on their Dream Career book. Once they are finished with the book, the scholars will present their books to middle school students. On Wednesday the Career Association of JAG took waffle orders and served them to the students in class. 🙂
Last week, I took a group of students to Building Advantage’s Construction Career Fair. They learned more career paths in the commercial construction industry. A variety of hands-on activities were offered from local Union trades and contractors, the students had the valuable opportunity to better understand the differences and benefits of each of the building trades.
Student Services Updates
Holiday Gift & Meal Programs
If you sign up for Thanksgiving snack bags, they will be available for pick up any time on Tuesday, Nov. 26th at PPA. If you are not available to pick up during the school day (8 am - 4 pm) please contact Ellie Donaldson, school social worker, Email: ehdonal@sunprairieschools.org, Call/Text: 608-501-1506.
All information about November break baskets and Holiday Gift Programs were sent to all families via email - please check your email for this information!
Thanksgiving Baskets
Thanksgiving Baskets will be distributed during regular pantry hours starting Wednesday, November 13th through Wednesday, November 27th at Sun Prairie Emergency Food Pantry.
Families can pick up their Thanksgiving Basket during their normal pantry visit. A pantry visit is not required to pick up a Thanksgiving Basket. No sign up is required for Thanksgiving Baskets this year! This year, Baskets will be choice-based and with more options.
Sunshine Place address:
18 Rickel Rd.
Sun Prairie, WI
Hours of operation:
Mon/Wed/Fri 12:00pm - 3:30pm
Tues/Thurs 5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-11:00am
Individuals can use the pantry every 2 weeks, personal care items also available
For more info, call 608-478-0510 or visit their website
Please visit the SPASD Local and Support Resources website for more information about community resources. https://www.sunprairieschools.org/district/reopeningtogether/support-resources?post_category_id=
Spirit of Giving
The Spirit of Giving program matches families in need of gifts for their children during the December holiday season with community members who want to help. The program is available to families in Sun Prairie with children ages birth to 18. A link to sign up for Spirit of Giving will be sent out to all families enrolled in free and reduced lunch ON November 1st.
Dates:
November 1: Applications open
November 15: Applications close
December 14: Gift pick up-NEW LOCATION (Heartland Church)
With any questions or concerns about these programs please reach out to Social Worker Ellie Donaldson. Email: ehdonal@sunprairieschools.org, Call/Text: 608-501-1506. All PPA families should have received information. If you did not, please reach out. If you miss the deadline, please reach out. Limited gifts may still be available.
It’s getting cold! If you need winter gear, we have some in our free closet at school! Please reach out to Ellie, Ms. Ayanna, or other school personnel. Additionally, you can request to shop at CARDS closet for the winter season through Ellie, please reach out and STAY WARM!
The Counselor’s Corner
2024 - 2025 Senior Planning Presentation
Seniors who plan to continue their education after high school, please create your FAFSA Account (and help your parents also create their account).
The FAFSA Application meeting will be held on Dec 11, 2024, starting at 5:30 at PPA.
PPA Students, are you interested in taking a second-semester course at your boundary school or taking an online course through JEDI? Please contact Ms. Annetta Wright. Parent, and Principal approval is required.
Show Me The Money! Scholarship Tips
Looking for scholarships can feel like a treasure hunt, but with the right tools, you can strike gold! Start by using scholarship search engines like Fastweb or Scholarship.com, and don’t forget Instagram—follow educational accounts and use hashtags like #ScholarshipAlert to discover hidden opportunities. Explore local scholarships from community foundations or your school district, and get creative with your unique talents—there’s a scholarship for everything from coding to skateboarding! Stay organized, track deadlines, and happy hunting!
Instagram: Mos.com
Shades of Unity
Ladies, are you interested in coming together with other young women of various ethnicities and cultures to foster a sisterhood that encourages unity, and wellness, while addressing issues and problems concerning young girls of color? Join us in the Dry Lab on Tuesdays at 1:25 pm. See Mz. Annetta for more information.
Community Schools
Holiday Break Basketball Open Gym Dates:
November 27th at 11AM-3PM
January 2nd & 3rd at 11AM-3PM
February 28th at 11AM-3PM
March 25th & 26th at 11AM-3PM
SPASD STUDENTS ONLY, NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED. (Located at PPA, Door 10 by ramp)
If you are interested in helping plan PPA’s 3rd annual Health and Wellness Bazaar, PLEASE fill out this form to pick what role you want to have in this work!
(ashale@sunprairieschools.org)
November Bus News
Bus Delays and Emergencies
Please remember that buses may be slightly delayed when we are experiencing snow and icy conditions. Anything within 5 minutes of the scheduled arrival time is considered “on time.”
If your child’s bus is delayed and/or evacuated for any reason (bus breakdown, emergency, etc.) students must stay with the driver and wait for further instructions. If another bus is dispatched, students are to ride that bus and only get off at their assigned stop.
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Recuerde que los autobuses pueden retrasarse un poco cuando estamos experimentando condiciones de nieve y hielo. Cualquier cosa dentro de los 5 minutos de la hora de llegada programada se considera "a tiempo".
Si el autobús de su hijo se retrasa y/o es evacuado por cualquier motivo (avería del autobús, emergencia, etc.), los estudiantes deben quedarse con el conductor y esperar más instrucciones. Si se despacha otro autobús, los estudiantes deben viajar en ese autobús y solo bajarse en la parada asignada.
Prairie Phoenix Academy
Email: nsconi@sunprairieschools.org
Website: https://www.sunprairieschools.org/prairie-phoenix-academy-home
Location: 220 Kroncke Drive, Suite 13 Sun Prairie, WI 53590, USA
Phone: 6088346901